Hi, my name is MaKayla. I founded Hands and Paws canine Training in July of 2020. Although I have only had HAPCT for 4 years my journey with dogs/ animals started way before then! Since I was a kid I have been around animals and they have always been apart of my life. My love for animals started when I was just 5 years old taking horse back riding lessons. Since then I have spent countless hours working with a variety of animals. Part of which was while I was attending College to become a Veterinary Technician. A big part of my studies was animal behavior/ rehabilitation from both a behavioral and medical standpoint. While in College I was interning with Jan Flanannagn the owner of K9 Tailshakers to expand my knowledge in dog training. During this time I learned how to do canine enrichment, group classes, private lessons, behavior modification, pet dog training and more. I then graduated with my Associates Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Medicine in May of 2021. During the time of my schooling I opened HAPCT with my mentors blessing and I was able to start helping owners and their dogs on my own. I then continued to further my education by attending webinars/ seminars and private coaching lessons while also raising and training my service dog Pepper.

• 2019-2020 Interned and worked with Jan Flannagan the owner of @k9tailshakers

• 2020 (Completed the MVP program by Nino Drowaert)

• 2020 Received my Fear Free certification (Veterinary Technician)

• 2020 Enrolled in Natalie Dobkins virtual training platform

• 2020 Enrolled in a virtual Service dog training program

• 2020 Became a Certified AKC Evaluator

• 2021 (Virtual coaching with @walking dog training)

• 2021 Graduated with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Medicine

• 2021 (Attended a Service dog training seminar by Lisa Lior Lima)

• 2021 (Coaching call with Jennifer Bazan @Jen.dogs101)

• 2022 (Attended a French Ring seminar by Francois Massart)

• 2022 (Coaching call with Emma @Ravenk9dogtraining)

• 2023 (Interned/Shadowed Dallas Hamilton from @backtobalancek9)

• 2023 (I Hosted the Unity Service dog Seminar)

• 2023 (Signed up for Coaching with Natalie Dobkins)

• 2024 (Attended a Canine Fitness webinar with @caninephysioandfitness)

• 2024 (Attending the Trainer in you seminar by Kate and Bethany) Spring 2024

I now am competing in Disc, Agility, Dock Diving, Fast Cat, AKC Obedience, Rally, French Ring, and I am planning on getting into IGP. I have 3 dogs Pepper, Piper and AR. I have spent hundreds of hours learning from other trainers all across the country who specialize in Behavior modification, Police k9 Training, Detection dogs, Sport dogs, Pet dogs and more. I am constantly expanding my knowledge to better help you and your dogs!

In my free time you can find me doing videography/ photography, going on hikes, traveling across the country, or relaxing on the beach with my dogs.